AD&D - Time of the Dragon - Box Set (2e)

PLAZA OF THE CHAMPIONS

Reached by means of the High Road, the but for this takes payment in favors or rival of the Saiones. Although dwarven
Plaza of the Champions provides a com- magic. He actively intrigues to aid and smiths would sooner see him gone, Ko-
mons for the inhabitants of Kristophan. protect other dwarves. thalus regards the matter with placid in-
The Imperial Arena is nearby, and the difference.
area has many small shops that specialize 5. Swordmaster’s Shop
in the making and selling of arms, armor, The owner, Aristo Aurelian, is a re- 9. The Armory Market
and other military equipment. This building and the square around
tired champion (level 7 fighter). He can
1. East Plaza Constabulary identify any sword of note as if using a it is the famous Armory Market, where
This is the east precinct headquar- legend lore spell. He can provide training nearly any weapon, armor, shield or simi-
in most weapons to low level fighters, and lar equipment can be had for a price.
ters of the Saione constabulary. This has much knowledge concerning the lay- Smaller stalls sell other adventuring
sturdy two-story brick building has hold- out and operation of the Arena. equipment and supplies, as well as souve-
ing cells for civil offenders. Its armory nirs from the arena. When a particularly
contains riot control weapons, as well as 6. Healer’s Den exciting fight is scheduled, little dolls of
lethal ones. A small tower on the roof al- This rather grimy and run-down the combatants are sold here as well.
lows a view of the plaza, and contains a
bronze bell that is rung in case of fire or building houses Malathus, an aged and 10. The Imperial Arena
other civil danger. rheumy-eyed herbalist/ healer. His elixirs This is the site of the major public
are somewhat more known for their bitter
2. The Champion’s House tastes and noxious odors than for their ef- entertainment. Events range from profes-
This is a local pub and alehouse on fectiveness, and his methods for curing sional champion trials to the tremen-
open wounds always include the applica- dously unequal battles of those guilty of
the edge of the plaza. Grakkus Takhad, tion of leeches (proficiency success roll: treason and other imperial crimes. At
the owner, is a minotaur and a retired 14). He is a favorite of the trainers at the other times this is the site of major festi-
arena trainer (8th level fighter). Al- Arena. vals for the minotaurs. At such times, the
though he is well able to take care of the main event takes place within the Arena,
rowdy, there is often no need, for this pub 7. Kalinos’ House which is closed to outsiders following a
is frequented by off-duty (and out-of- Kalinos is a dark elf mage of 9th city-long procession. Non-minotaurs are
uniform) Saiones. expected to celebrate in the Plaza of
level. Having been scarred and lost an eye Champions, instead.
3. Plaza of Champions in the arena, he ekes out an austere living
In addition to being the center of by selling his talents to whomever can af- 11. Tiberion’s Emporium
ford them. Embittered and proud, he The name of this establishment is
the local community, once each year there avoids other elves when possible, having
is a great fair of armorers, weaponsmiths, occasionally been hired in plots against somewhat misleading. Tiberion is a
and ironmongers. At this time rare and them. money-lender who will convert foreign
unusual examples of their arts may be- coins and other valuables into local coin-
come available. The plaza is also used to 8. Smithy age for only 4%. He also controls the
stage public punishments, executions, This is the smithy and forge of Ko- odds for betting on Arena events. He
and announcements of imperial decrees. pays both the constabulary and the Old
thalus, a massive minotaur smith. He can City upright men for protection and resti-
4. Armorer’s Shop make most iron items, if rough workman- tution, should someone be so foolish as to
Balthun Obedagh, a dwarf, is the ship is sufficient. He is a careful crafts- rob him. It is rumored in less savory sur-
man, and the strength of his work is quite roundings that Tiberion is an expert
owner and head armorer of this shop. He famous locally. Even the dwarves agree fence and information broker, but he has
makes armor to order in up to 60% of the that his work is fair, and though the mat- never been successfully accused of this.
normal time, but the price will range up ter of whose work is superior has yet to be
to 5 times the base cost. He can also repair resolved, it has caused some memorable
magical items of up to -3 enchantment, moments in local taverns before the ar-

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-18



THE OLD CITY

At the far end of the Emperor’s March lies 4. The Well smuggling operations that operate
the Old City. Separated from the rest of The pavilion surrounding this cov- through the docks. His men also kidnap
the city by a steep ravine (known as “The the unwary, and sell them into the Impe-
Ditch”), this area, which used to be the ered well is recognized by all as neutral rial fleet.
core of the city, is now its most dangerous ground. The water is unusually sweet and
slum. The Saione’s do not come here of- pure. It is believed the well has a power- 8. The Oracle
ten, and then only in force. However, ful magical guardian that wreaks venge- Tucked away in a non-descript
much of interest to the adventurer can be ance on those who desecrate or pollute its
found here, for a price. waters. At times, its waters are rumored building here is the Oracle, an ancient
to have miraculous healing powers, but blind crone reputed to have extraordinary
1. The Forest Gate the amount of filth and disease in the Old powers of divination. Few consult her, for
Though the forest has long since City makes scoffers of most who hear the price is high—and not always mea-
these tales. sured in wealth or treasure. In fact, it is
been cut down for timber, this sturdy commonly believed that a curse accompa-
gate and bridge remain the sole easy ac- 5. Theodruses’ Hostel nies her pronouncements, that only the
cess to the Old City. Twin stone towers Theodruses is the upright man of pure of heart or truly daring might avoid.
guard the western end of the bridge, and All of the upright men are known to
aside from the Old Armory, these are the the South Quarter. From this building, avoid having anything to do with her or
only stone structures in the entire Old he runs his gambling, smuggling, fenc- those she guides.
City. They are manned continually by a ing, and other criminal pursuits. His
strong force of Saione, made more secure, gang is quite large, and many of the beg- 9. The Golden Palace
it is said, by secret bribes paid to the up- gars of the Old City are his eyes and ears. This tawdry inn is the headquarters
right men. There is much truth to the He believes there is enough profit here
statement that the towers exist as much to for everyone. for one of the lower class thieves’ gangs:
keep the inhabitants in as to protect this the Blades. The pickings in this area are
area of the city. 6. Miranda’s Palace poor, mostly adventurers down on their
Miranda is the upright man luck and paupers who can’t afford to live
2. The Entrance to the Tombs in a better part of the Old City. The only
The openings here lead to a network (woman) of the East Quarter. This area is place worse to live than this area is The
the most prosperous section of the Old Cauldron, which lies just to the west. The
of catacombs carved from the living rock City. Gambling and entertainments for Cauldron blocks house the deranged, the
upon which the Old City rests. For years the rich, spiced with decadence and a diseased, and the dying-the worst and
the catacombs were the final resting place hint of danger can be found here. Behind most wretched jetsam of Kristophan.
of the dead of the city. Now, only the the glitz is Miranda: brilliantly clever, di-
foolhardy or desperate enter, for the area abolically beautiful, and quite deadly. 10. Reorx’s Forge
is shunned by all others. Her eventual goal is to influence the Em- This tavern is the center of a small
peror himself.
3. The Old Armory dwarven community in the bowels of the
Although this is the oldest and 7. Smuggler’s Cove Old City. Its house specialty is a fiery local
This rather seedy tavern is actually brew called Reorx’s Fire. The tavern also
strongest structure in the Old City, this serves as the headquarters for the Vipers,
building appears to be unoccupied. Ru- the headquarters of Euros the Pirate, a re- a local gang that often battles the Blades.
mor has that it is the stronghold of a cult tired sea captain and upright man of this A short distance away is the house of Mas-
of assassins, and that further investiga- section of Old Town. His bluff friendli- ter Istophanes, a reclusive wizard who
tion is unhealthy. Other rumors insist ness and careless shrug when his name or stays here for reasons of his own. This area
that the armory is a base for the Emper- that of his tavern is brought up belies the is a lower class area, but still considered
or’s secret police, and a detachment of fact that it’s all true. He was and is the better than the blocks to the north.
Imperial spies. There is a good chance most ruthless and blackhearted pirate
that this building has a secret connection this side of the gallows, and will not hesi-
to the catacombs. tate to betray his best friend at the drop
of a hat (full of gold). He controls the

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-19



THE NEW CITY

The New City is a cosmopolitan collec- 4. Alchemist’s Shop 8. The Belltower
tion of races and businesses engaged in Most common herbs and spices can This is another armory that has been
the commerce that makes this city the
center of its world. The wealth of the New be bought here, as well as most common converted to public use. The lower two
City has been built by the local merchant spell components. The proprietor, Lithla- floors are a civic museum, with displays
class, in spite of the arrogant opposition nian Karilon, an elf, is a healer and herb- about the history of the city and its em-
of the nobility and the stifling maze of alist licensed by the city. He has an perors. Above this is the bell tower itself,
bureaucratic regulation. experimental laboratory in the back of with its great brazen bell. A watch is kept
the shop, and pays well for unusual or over the city from the tower (primarily
1. The Stone Bull rare components. against fire). Each hour the great bell is
From its location on the Street of the rung to mark the passage of time.
5. Snurrin’s Emporium
chosen, this three story brick inn domi- Snurrin is a gnome and and expert 9. Nosarilus’ House
nates the local scene. All races are wel- Norsarilus is a successful upper mid-
come, if they look reputable and can pay, gemcutter. He sells jewelry, gems, and
and uniformed minotaurs attend the metal items of delicate craftsmanship. He dle class wizard, retired here after a suc-
doors to keep out riffraff and potential creates jewelry and objects of fine gold, cessful adventuring career. He now
troublemakers. It is rumored that the silver, and even platinum. He is a li- spends his time writing the occasional
Emperor’s Suite has in fact been used by censed appraiser. His fees range from 2% scroll or instructing the odd student. Re-
members of the Imperial household in- to 10%, depending on the job, and he cently, however, he has embarked on a
cognito. has been known to finance expeditions to new activity: an inquiry to see if the disci-
recover rare gems. plines of astronomy and astrology can be
2. Market of the Chosen reconciled. Materials relating to his study
This building and the block around 6. Hiram’s Bookshop will be of great interest to him. Norsarilus
Hiram deals in books new and old, is politically neutral, but has little time
it contain many stalls and small shops for the elaborate manners and posturing
that provide a variety of good quality scrolls, maps, parchments, and other of the nobility.
merchandise: clothes, food, spices, written items. He is skilled at detecting
crafted gifts, tapestries, imported goods, forgeries and deciphering maps. His 10. The Hall of Gracchus
and curiosities. Scribes and notaries may usual patrons are wizards in search of rare This is an upper middle class gaming
also be found here. tomes and nobles with a love of learning.
He dislikes loud noises and is especially hall. Gambling in polite society, fine
3. Guide Hall suspicious of kender. food, and private conference rooms are
This hall provides services for those all available. There is also a fine collection
7. Marcus Theatre of mosaics, sculptures, and other art ob-
new to town. Not only guides can be This sturdy building was converted jects available for viewing by the well-to-
hired here, but so can palanquins, char- do clientele. This is a good place to make
iots, bodyguards, lantern bearers, and from an old armory. It currently serves as a political connections, as it is frequented
other general escorts. Services can be local theatre supported by the upper by the nobility and bureaucracy alike.
bought by the day or special arrange- middle class. Other small shops and the-
ments can be made. The building also atres surround it, but this is the most
doubles as the precinct firehouse and prestigious establishment in this part of
contains pumpwagons and other special the New City. Plays from the Imperial
equipment. Palace soon find their way here.

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-20



THE IMPERIAL CITY

At the far end of the Emperor’s March lies 4. Statue of Sargonnas which are aimed at reducing the power of
the Imperial City with its Imperial Pal- This huge bronze statue of Sargon- the bureaucracy and ministries.
ace. The Imperial City is mostly a private
enclave of the minotaur nobility. The Im- nas rises 30’ above the central plaza. Leg- 8. Matron Ouguhra’s Villa
perial City also contains the important end states that in time of need the statue The Matron Ouguhra is the widow
Ministries, the Treasury, and the less im- will animate and destroy the enemies of
portant Senate, as well as the beautiful the city. of one of the great lords of the city and
private villas of the nobles. matriarch of an entire clan of arrogant
5. Lord Murgharl’s Villa young nobles. Her goal is to hold the
1. The Imperial Palace This is the fine brick villa of the Lord family together while advancing the fam-
The Imperial Palace houses the Em- ily status. As her charges are both head-
Murgharl, a distant relative to the Em- strong and active, she spends most of her
peror and contains the offices of his inner peror. Behind its high walls lies a beauti- time trying to cover their infractions of
council. In addition, there are extensive ful ornamental garden, with a cool imperial law.
walking gardens and a vast library. The fountain and placid pool. There is also a
area is guarded night and day by an ordu private steam bath and training grounds, 9. Kallides’ Villa
of Black Cloaks, and is well warded for the lord keeps his combat skills The renown tutor Kallides was
against astral or ethereal intrusion as well. honed. The Lord Murgharl dislikes non-
minotaurs, and would see the Imperial granted this villa for service to the Impe-
2. Empress’s Palace City and Black Cloaks closed to them. rial Throne. He is an ally of the Empress
The Empress’s Palace contains the and of Matron Ouguhra, and spends
6. Treasury much time instructing the sons and
private chambers of the Empress, her This massive stone building is heav- nephews of the latter. He is also a part-
court, and the royal heirs. A secret pas- time consultant at the Ministry of Educa-
sage leads from this area to a hidden ily guarded and magically warded against tion and has served at times as an
opening beyond the walls of the city. astral or ethereal intrusion. The interior is unofficial ambassador for the Empress.
Deep below the Empress’s Palace is a an intricate maze forbidden to non-
dungeon where political prisoners are im- minotaurs. In addition to the gold re- 10. Partucha’s Villa
prisoned and forgotten. serves and military war chest, the treasury This villa is typical of the lesser no-
also has facilities for minting coin of the
3. Barracks of the Black Cloaks. realm. bility, with an interior courtyard behind
Here is quartered an entire legion of high walls. Partucha is a protoge of Lord
7. Senate Murgharl and the brother of a regimental
Black Cloaks. In addition to being the The sturdy columns and tall arches commander of the Black Cloaks. He has
elite striking force of the army, they are connections with the Imperial Secret
responsible for the personal safety of the of this building make it an architectural Service, connections he intends to em-
Emperor and the security of the inner landmark of the Imperial City. Here, the ploy to rise quickly. He is toying with the
city. Additional guardposts, armories, august members of the nobility discuss idea of hatching a revolt in the Old City,
and barracks areas are marked B. the weighty matters of empire and make to be crushed with his own indispensable
recommendations to the Emperor. In aid, but has taken no action yet.
fact, the body has little power, but re-
mains a hotbed of intrigues, most of

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-21



THE FISHERIES, NERON, BALTCH, AND THE OCEANS

THE FISHERIES AURIM SPIRE MOUNTAINS

2 Ant swarm 2 Adventurers 2 Fire minions
3 Megalo-centipede 3 Bulette 3 Hell hounds
4 Black dragon 4 Blue dragon 4 Salamander
5 Giant crab 5 Brass dragon 5 Hobgoblin war party
6 Shark men raiding party 6 Copper dragon 6 Merchant caravan
7 Crocodile 7 Gargoyle 7 Gnome exploration party
8 Leopard 8 Giant lizard 8 Manticore
9 Payan Mako fishermen 9 Wild dogs 9 Huge scorpion
10 Warthog 10 Wild boars 10 Small mammal
11 Payan Mako hunters 11 Hobgoblin raiding party 11 Ogre
12 Leech swarm 12 Hobgoblin raiding party 12 Huge spider
13 Giant leech 13 Hyena 13 Brown porcupine
14 Land lamprey 14 Traag draconian raiding party 14 Poisonous snake
15 Gargoyles 15 Griffon 15 Giant porcupine
16 Dragonfish 16 Hill giant 16 Falcon
17 Elf hunting party 17 Hippogriff 17 Hippogriff
18 Bronze dragon 18 Leucrotta 18 Choke creeper
19 Dragon turtle 19 Red dragon 19 Fire lizards
20 Kelpie 20 Fire lizard 20 Sylph

NERON RAINWARD ISLES HITEHKEL

2 Ant swarm 2 Green dragon 2 Hell hound
3 Red dragon 3 Red dragon 3 Fire giant
4 Black dragon 4 Stone giant 4 Gnome fire fleet
5 Yaggol 5 White dragon 5 Efreeti
6 Carnivorous ape 6 Dwarf merchant 6 Fire elemental
7 Rhinoceros beetle 7 Militia 7 Fire minions
8 Leopard 8 Human merchant 8 Fire minions
9 Warthog 9 Cattle 9 Lava geyser
10 Giant wasp / Giant hornet 10 Peasants 10 Lava geyser
11 Minotaur lizard / Obliviax 11 Wild boar 11 Lava geyser
12 Monkeys 12 Bats 12 Cooling land island
13 Giant rats 13 Black bear 13 Cooling land island
14 Large hawk 14 Badger 14 Salamander
15 Giant scorpion 15 Brown bear 15 Fire snake
16 Fire giant 16 Giant eagle 16 Fire snake
17 Aborigines 17 Elf party 17 Hell hound
18 Blood hawks 18 Ettercap 18 Gnome fire fleet
19 Nereid 19 Silver dragon 19 Red dragon
20 Mantrap 20 Hobgoblin raiding party 20 Groaning spirit

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-22



THE TOMB OF THE GREAT KING: GENERAL KEY

This key is not a complete encounter de- The walls to either side are covered deadly traps and tricks to get to them.
scription for the tomb of the Great King. with frescoes. These, too, depict scenes,
It does not provide information about although in this case they appear to be 6. Great Hall
monsters and treasures, or even the pur- episodes from the Great King’s life. They
pose of the Great Tomb, who is buried are badly chipped and faded and the This massive chamber appears to be the
there, or where it is located. This is to al- damage makes many of them incompre- burial hall of the Great King. Indeed
low you the opportunity to create and hensible. there is a huge gilt sarcophagus at the far
customize the tomb so it will best fit into end. However, it is all a sham. The sar-
your campaign. 3. Monks’ Quarters cophagus does not contain the Great
King but is a deadly trap designed to de-
The key does provide general descrip- This area appears to be a block of monks’ stroy any who would molest the king’s
tions of some areas of the tomb. These are cells. Apparently they were intended for body.
provided to help you in creating your own holy men who would pray for the de-
adventures. parted king. 7. Break-In

1. Entrance 4. Preparation Halls This tunnel passage leads to the outside
world, although it might first pass
The tomb is carefully concealed from ca- These rooms contain lavishly decorated through the lair of some creature or
sual inspection, since it was not meant to minor altars to various deities who guardian. The tunnel might have been
be easy to find. Cut into the side of a cliff needed to be honored in the process of in- made by grave-robbers or it could be the
face, all that shows it is here are the two terring the Great King. In addition, the work of some dangerous tunneling crea-
heavy stone doors to the outside world. walls of other chambers are devoted to ture(s) that now roam throughout the
Even these are difficult to see, as the gran- frescoes detailing the steps needed to pre- complex.
ite work is carefully concealed to look nat- pare the Great King’s body for burial.
ural. 8. Tomb of the Great King
5. Treasure Chambers
2. The Grand Hall Here in a small side chamber is the true
These rooms were evidently prepared to resting place of the Great King. It has
This huge hall way is lined with carved hold the goods needed by the Great King been deliberately set in this out-of-the-
pillars on either side. Each pillar is an in- in his next life. They may or may not be way location to foil grave robbers. The
structive scene, from legends long since filled with fabulous treasures, although if sarcophagai, while not huge, is expensive
forgotten. The carving twines around the they are, most of these riches are certain and quite valuable. Of course, taking it
pillar, reaching from floor to ceiling. A to be extremely fragile and near impos- would make the player characters grave
few of the pillars have been broken off sible to transport. Furthermore, if the robbers, no matter what their noble in-
and now lie tumbled in the center of the treasure rooms are filled, any tomb rob- tentions might be.
hall. bers will have to overcome a number of

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-23



TOMB OF THE GREAT KING

Prior to the destruction of Aurim by the world—would see any other time as glo- could be believed. Several times he was
mighty forces of the Cataclysm, the peo- rious and better. forced to crush rebellions by the peasants
ple of Taladas were on the verge of be- he cruelly oppressed, exterminating en-
coming a great civilization. While the Whatever their rationale, these tell the tire villages in vengance. His evil was said
Cataclysm changed all that, it could not tale of the wise Great King who once to be incredible and unstoppable.
eradicate every trace of these ancient peo- ruled Aurim. Sensing his death to be
ple. near, he had built a great tomb in the Indeed, this is what a secret group of
mountains. There, with the aid of his his own advisors realized. They knew that
The Tomb of the Great King is one ex- priests, he had himself interred—but he even in death he would continue to rav-
ample of the level of civilization achieved did not die. Instead, knowing there age and destroy the land. For the good of
by these Aurimites. It is believed to be would be a time when he was needed, he the Empire, they secretly constructed a
the burial chamber of either the sixth or sleeps until a hero comes to wake him. mighty tomb. Terrible enchantments
seventh Hlafdae (the ancient term for When he does, the King will use his great were blasted into the very rock. Finally, it
High King) of Aurim. power and wisdom to usher in a new Steel was finished.
Age. Or at least, thus speak the story-
However, all this is uncertain, for the tellers. Somehow (the story is never very clear
tomb has never been found. There are about this) the loyal advisors lured the
tantalizing hints of its existence and con- THE CROWN OF GRATHANICH malignant Great King into the halls of
struction in some of the few works that the tomb they had built. While they were
survived the ravages of Hiteh’s Night. This tale is much simpler and less tran- inside with him, their followers, heeding
From these fragments a few sages have scendant than the first. It’s popular with the commands they had been given,
created a theory of what the tomb must adventurers and is often told to the will- sealed the entrance and bound it with
have looked like. Greedier or more ambi- ing (or gullible) in many an inn or tavern. magical seals. The Great King was
tious individuals have used those same trapped inside forever-but the advisors
clues to try to find the location of the It, too, tells of the Great King of had sacrificed their own lives, too. They
tomb, which they are convinced is filled Aurim and how he ruled with power and had condemned him to eternal imprison-
with untold riches. Naturally, it is quite majesty. He was wise and had immense ment and had condemned themselves to
likely filled with untold terrors, too. In- power—power that came from the horrible death.
deed, some may have already found it strange crown he wore, a crown fashioned
and not lived to tell of their success. from the stuff of Grathanich, the infa- The tomb is still out there (so the story
mous magical stone created by Reorx. goes), guarded by an ancient clan from
As is the case with most lost wonders, With this crown he was able to work mira- the days before the Cataclysm. Should
the stories associated with the Tomb of cles unheard of either before or since. anyone find and open its doors, they
the Great King have made it into some- would release an evil to match perhaps
thing even greater than it actually is. The As said, this king was wise. Sensing even Hiteh, an evil free to roam the world
tales and legends associated with it are that he was going to die, the king ordered again.
quite fanciful. If it weren’t for fact that a tomb to be built hidden deep in the
many other legends and myths have been mountains, well-protected and fortified. Which tale is true? Are any of them
proven true over the years, these stories Here he went to spend his last days, using true? No one knows and the answer may
could easily be dismissed as tales for chil- the power of his crown to wipe the mem- never be learned.
dren. Some of these stories are described ory of this place from all mankind. He
below. was determined that no one else would
wear the crown, because he knew how
THE RETURN OF THE GREAT dangerous its power could be. Only
barely he had avoided its corrupting and
KING evil influence; others would not be so
strong. Sadly, he knew it was better for
Somehow, the idea has taken hold in this great device to be lost forever.
some groups that the Age of Aurim (as
the pri-cataclysmus is sometimes called) THE ETERNAL KING
was a time of perfect wonder, a blessed
steel age in which there was no want or This tale is much darker and bleaker
hardship. To anyone who has studied the than all the others. It, too, tells of a Great
ancient documents, this is patently not King of Aurim, but he was not wise or be-
true. However, it is easy to see how those loved by his people. Instead, he was evil
of today—living through the hardship incarnate, a fiend more powerful than
and suffering of the post-cataclysmic

©1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1051-24